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CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado

Homemade Gnocchi with Pesto Cream Sauce

Homemade Gnocchi with Pesto Cream Sauce

pizza & pasta· Popular Recipes· Valentine's Day
September 19, 2016

Homemade Gnocchi with Pesto Cream Sauce – Super fluffy homemade Italian potato dumplings (gnocchi) coated in a rich pesto cream…
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Strawberries & Cream Danish

Strawberries & Cream Danish

breakfast· Easter· pastries· Summertime Favorites· Valentine's Day
September 12, 2016

Strawberries & Cream Danish – A cream cheese danish made with puff pastry and then topped with a strawberry and…
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Nutella Macarons

Nutella Macarons

Cookies· Popular Recipes· Valentine's Day
September 5, 2016

Nutella Macarons – A classic chewy french cookie made with chocolate hazelnut spread (Nutella).  A few weeks ago, you might remember…
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Glazed Cherry Hand Pies

Glazed Cherry Hand Pies

Easter· pie· Summertime Favorites· Valentine's Day
August 11, 2016

Glazed Cherry Hand Pies – Super flaky pie crust stuffed with sweet cherry filling and finished with a sweet glaze…
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Red Velvet Macarons

Red Velvet Macarons

Cookies· Holiday Favorites· Valentine's Day
August 1, 2016

Red Velvet Macarons – A classic french cookie made with a red velvet cookie and cream cheese filling. A elegant…
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Hi, my name is Sharon. I’m an accountant by day, risk-taking baker and food enthusiast by night. Come join me as I share my favorite recipes and test out new ones along the way!

fall flavors

a plate with a slice of stone fruit tart and slices of fruit in the background, shot from the front

Stone Fruit Tart

a hand holding up a cinnamon bun soft pretzel

Cinnamon Bun Soft Pretzels

plate of Pumpkin Cheesecake Macarons with a gourd in the background, shot from the front

Pumpkin Cheesecake Macarons

overhead shot of pumpkin churros on a plate of cinnamon sugar

Pumpkin Churros

sweet potato biscuits on parchment paper with butter to the side and a cast iron pan of more biscuits in it, shot from a side angle

Sweet Potato Biscuits

zoomed in shot of cut up apple cider caramels

Apple Cider Caramels

ORDER MY NEW COOKBOOK NOW!

photo of entertaining made easy cookbook available for preorder now

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holiday favorite

a slice of cinnamon swirl doughnut bread with a fork cutting it in with the other half of the bread next to it on a piece of parchment paper and a cloth napkin, shot from a side angle

Cinnamon Swirl Doughnut Loaf

picture of fried goat cheese balls stacked on an appetizer plate with honey drizzling over the top

Fried Goat Cheese Balls

mixed berry fool in a glass with a strawberry and mint garnish on top

Mixed Berry Fool

raspberry lime macaron sandwich on a white plate with lime zest garnish

Raspberry Lime Macaron Sandwich

a plate with an Almond Croissant on it with a baking sheet of more croissants on it with almonds sprinkled around the table, shot from a side angle

Almond Croissants

 

My Favorite Meatloaf Recipe! This is THE meatloa My Favorite Meatloaf Recipe! 

This is THE meatloaf that converted my family! It's lean yet incredibly flavorful, uses ingredients you already have, and is ready in under an hour. Perfect weeknight dinner that everyone loves - even the picky eaters!

Why this is my FAVORITE meatloaf:
✨ Simple ingredients (probably in your pantry!)
✨ Lean ground beef (healthier!)
✨ That sweet & tangy sauce on top
✨ Ready in under an hour
✨ Crispy edges (we bake on a sheet!)
✨ Juicy, never dry

Here's what makes this special: I mince the onions SUPER fine (use a food processor!) so they mix throughout without big chunks, and we bake it on a baking sheet instead of a loaf pan. This gives you those crispy edges everyone fights over! Plus, the sauce on top is sweet, tangy, and absolutely addictive. I always grab the end pieces for extra sauce!

My husband's favorite part? The minced onions that add incredible flavor without feeling like "filler." My favorite part? That sauce! It's made with ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices - so good!

Pro tips:
🔸 Mince onions REALLY fine (food processor works!)
🔸 Don't overmix the meat (makes it tough)
🔸 Use meat thermometer (160°F = perfect!)
🔸 Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing
🔸 Serve with mashed potatoes!

This meatloaf has become our weekly dinner rotation staple. It's comfort food that doesn't take all day and uses lean meat so you don't feel guilty about eating it! The leftovers make amazing sandwiches too. 

Want the full recipe? Comment MEATLOAF below and I'll send it straight to your DMs!

#Meatloaf #MeatloafRecipe #ComfortFood #FamilyDinner #EasyDinner #ClassicComfortFood #HomeCooking #DinnerRecipe #EasyRecipes #ComfortFoodRecipes #GroundBeef #HealthyComfortFood #DinnerIdeas
Peach & Goat Cheese Crostini = The ULTIMATE Appeti Peach & Goat Cheese Crostini = The ULTIMATE Appetizer! 

These elegant little bites are SO easy to make but look incredibly fancy! Toasted baguette slices rubbed with garlic, topped with whipped goat cheese, fresh peach slices, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. 

Why you'll LOVE these crostini:
✨ Easy but impressive (looks fancy!)
✨ Sweet + savory perfection
✨ Ready in under 25 minutes
✨ Perfect for entertaining
✨ Can prep components ahead
✨ Good luck eating just one!

Here's the magic: we rub warm toasted bread with a garlic clove instead of adding chopped garlic. The heat absorbs the garlic oils and adds the most subtle, perfect garlic flavor without being overpowering. Don't skip this step - it makes ALL the difference! 

The combination of creamy whipped goat cheese, sweet juicy peaches, fresh basil, and tangy balsamic glaze is absolutely PERFECT. These disappeared so fast at my last party - everyone kept coming back for more!

Pro tips:
🔸 Whip goat cheese with cream cheese for smooth texture
🔸 Rub garlic on WARM toast (key to flavor!)
🔸 Use store-bought balsamic glaze to save time
🔸 Don't assemble until ready to serve (bread gets soggy!)
🔸 Can use frozen peaches when fresh aren't available

These are perfect for holiday parties, summer gatherings, wine nights, or any time you want an elegant appetizer that doesn't require tons of work. Pair with a crisp white wine and you're set for an amazing evening! 

Want the full recipe? Comment CROSTINI below and I'll send it straight to your DMs!

#PeachGoatCheeseCrostini #Crostini #Appetizers #PartyFood #GoatCheeseRecipes #PeachRecipes #EasyAppetizers #EntertainerRecipes #SummerAppetizers #HolidayAppetizers #WineNight #ElegantAppetizers #FingersFood #PartyAppetizers #EasyEntertaining #BruschettaRecipe #SummerRecipes #GoatCheese #Peaches #BrunchIdeas #CocktailParty #Entertaining #FoodBlogger #AppetizerIdeas #FancyFood #EasyRecipes #SummerEntertaining #Foodie #PartyIdeas #deliciousfood
This easy homemade turkey noodle soup is the PERFE This easy homemade turkey noodle soup is the PERFECT way to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey! It's light, comforting, loaded with veggies and egg noodles, and ready in just 30-40 minutes. Way better than another turkey sandwich!

Why you'll LOVE this soup:
✨ Uses leftover turkey (or rotisserie chicken!)
✨ Ready in 30-40 minutes
✨ Light but still comforting
✨ Fresh herbs add amazing flavor
✨ Secret ingredient: lemon juice!
✨ Freezes perfectly for up to 6 months

Here's what makes this soup special: fresh herbs (thyme and oregano) add a brightness you can't get from canned soup, and a splash of lemon juice at the end totally transforms it! I was so surprised by how much the lemon brightened up the whole bowl. You'll never make turkey/chicken soup without it again! 

This is the PERFECT post-Thanksgiving recipe - light enough after all that heavy holiday eating, but still cozy and comforting for cold nights. Plus, it uses up those turkey leftovers in the best way possible!

Pro tips:
🔸 Works with chicken too (rotisserie is perfect!)
🔸 Use any pasta noodles you like
🔸 Prep veggies ahead to save 10 minutes
🔸 Add 1-2 cups water if you want it more brothy
🔸 Serve with crusty French bread!

The soup is noodle-heavy as written, but you can easily adjust the broth amount to your preference. I love it loaded with noodles - makes it extra hearty! And don't forget that crusty bread for dunking! 

Want the full recipe? Comment SOUP below and I'll send it straight to your DMs!

What do you do with your Thanksgiving leftovers? Let me know!

#TurkeyNoodleSoup #LeftoverTurkey #ThanksgivingLeftovers #ChickenNoodleSoup #HomemadeSoup #ComfortFood #SoupRecipe #LeftoverRecipes #TurkeyRecipes #FallSoup #WinterSoup #EasyDinner #OnePotMeal #HealthyComfortFood #SoupSeason #CozyFood #FamilyDinner #MealPrep #FreezerMeal #ThanksgivingRecipes #WeeknightDinner #LeftoverMagic #ComfortFoodRecipes #FoodBlogger #HomeCooking #Soup #WarmingRecipes #EasyRecipes #Foodie #healthydinner
These soft, fluffy pumpkin cookies are loaded with These soft, fluffy pumpkin cookies are loaded with chocolate chips and spiced with just cinnamon for the perfect fall flavor! Best part? NO CHILL TIME needed - you can make and eat them immediately! Perfect for when that cookie craving hits!

Why you'll LOVE these cookies:
✨ NO chill time required (make them NOW!)
✨ Soft, fluffy, and chewy texture
✨ Just cinnamon (not overpowering!)
✨ Pumpkin + chocolate = perfect combo
✨ Cookies barely spread (easy to bake!)
✨ Ready in under 25 minutes

Here's what makes these special: instead of pumpkin pie spice (with all the nutmeg, ginger, and cloves), these use JUST cinnamon! This lets the pumpkin and chocolate flavors stand out without being overpowered by spices. It's simple, but SO good! 

The texture is incredible - soft and fluffy like a pumpkin muffin top but in cookie form. And because the batter is made with real pumpkin puree, they stay moist and delicious for days!

Pro tips:
🔸 No chill time needed (yes, really!)
🔸 Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies
🔸 Add extra chips on top before baking for presentation
🔸 Cookies barely spread, so 2 inches apart is plenty
🔸 Store in airtight container for up to 3 days

These were a HUGE hit at last year's Friendsgiving and they're about to become your new fall favorite! They're perfect for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or just satisfying that pumpkin craving. 

Want the full recipe? Comment COOKIES below and I'll send it straight to your DMs! 

#PumpkinChocolateChipCookies #PumpkinCookies #ChocolateChipCookies #FallBaking #PumpkinRecipes #FallCookies #NoChill #EasyCookies #PumpkinSpice #FallDesserts #CookieRecipe #PumpkinSeason #FallTreats #HomemadeCookies #BakingFromScratch #FallBaking #PumpkinDesserts #ChocolateChips #SoftCookies #CookieLove #FallFlavors #PumpkinEverything #CookieMonster #BakingLove #FoodBlogger #FallFood #SeasonalBaking #PumpkinLovers #Foodie #CookieTime
This no-frills classic chili is everything you nee This no-frills classic chili is everything you need for cozy fall nights! Made with lean ground beef, two kinds of beans, peppers, and the perfect blend of spices. 

It's hearty, comforting, and SO easy to customize however you like!

Why you'll LOVE this recipe:
✨ Simple, beginner-friendly recipe
✨ Totally customizable (add veggies, adjust spice!)
✨ Works with beef OR turkey
✨ Feeds 6-8 people easily
✨ Tastes even BETTER the next day
✨ Freezes perfectly for up to 3 months

Here's what makes this chili special: it's a bare-bones classic that YOU can make your own! Want to add zucchini and squash? Do it! Need more heat? Add jalapeño! Don't like beans? (Wait, what?! 😱) You can leave them out! It's the perfect base recipe that satisfies everyone.

I serve this chili so many ways:
🥔 Over baked potatoes
🌮 On nachos with cheese
🍝 Mixed with spaghetti (don't knock it 'til you try it!)
🌭 On hot dogs
Or just in a big bowl with ALL the toppings!

Pro tips:
🔸 Use a large pot or dutch oven (not cast iron!)
🔸 Cook 45 min for runny, 60 min for thick
🔸 Add spices gradually if you're nervous about heat
🔸 Don't forget the toppings (cheese, sour cream, cilantro!)

The best part? This chili tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy it all week. It's perfect for meal prep, game day, or just when you need that ultimate comfort food fix. 

Want the full recipe? Comment CHILI below and I'll send it straight to your DMs!

#ClassicChili #ChiliRecipe #ComfortFood #FallRecipes #EasyDinner #ChiliSeason #HomemadeChili #BeefChili #BeanChili #WinterFood #CozyFood #MealPrep #FreezerMeal #GameDayFood #ChiliNight #EasyRecipes #FamilyDinner #OnePotMeal #HeartyMeal #FallCooking #ComfortFoodRecipes #ChiliBar #FoodBlogger #WeeknightDinner #BeginnerCooking #SimpleCooking #Foodie #FallComfortFood #CozyDinner #chililove

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